As 2012 winds down, you'll be seeing all sorts of lists about the 10 best this and 5 worst that -- almost all of them focusin... Show More »

As 2012 winds down, you'll be seeing all sorts of lists about the 10 best this and 5 worst that -- almost all of them focusing on shows as a whole or above-the-line stars. Here at Zap2it, though, we have a different tradition.

We present to you our seventh annual list of underrated TV stars -- the ones who might not be the main attraction but who inevitably make the shows they're on better. This year's honorees play characters ranging from a group of aspiring dancers to a possessed nun to a troubled war veteran.

The thing they have in common is that we feel like they deserve some major props.

As always, the rules are: No lead actors of series, no Emmy winners and no one who's been on one of our previous underrated lists. Because if we talk about how underrated you are, you can't really be underrated anymore.

Congratulations to this year's honorees, and thanks for making our jobs covering TV more fun.

Why we like him: Of all the evil people cut down by Emily Thorne's quest fo... Show More »

You know him as: Mason Treadwell

Why we like him: Of all the evil people cut down by Emily Thorne's quest for revenge, Mason Treadwell is the only one we can love. He is probably a good person, deep down, but his weakness and ambition always lead Mason down the wrong path. But he's not stupid -- no one else has ever caught the Emily/Amanda connection.

Where else you've seen him: George Williams on "Desperate Housewives," Richard Peel on "The Event," Barry Harris on "Political Animals"

Why we like her: You always know it's going to be good when Caroline (center) gets involved. Her Cajun drawl and often inappropriate wit only help to underscore the fact that this is a woman who will bury you if she thinks you deserve it. Besides, Caroline is the first person to ever get Booth and Brennan to kiss.

Where else you've seen her: Mrs. Dabney on "Good Luck Charlie," Janet the HR Lady on "Better Off Ted"

Why we like them: Although baby Hope has spoken only a couple of words in three seasons, she is constantly at the center of "Raising Hope." Unlike most babies on TV, these twin girls actually act and react like normal children -- we see constant confusion, irritation and amusement as Hope's crazy family goes about its business.

Where else you've seen them: "Raising Hope" is the twins' first acting job.

Why we like her: "Suburgatory" has dialed down some of its more over-the-top tendencies in Season 2 while dialing in on some of its supporting characters, with Grant's Lisa being one of the prime beneficiaries of the shift. We had seen flashes of Lisa's competitiveness and obsessive tendencies last season, but this year has brought to the forefront how much like her mother (Ana Gasteyer) Lisa really is -- and how much it pains her to realize that. All the more reason to take a trip to the craft store in her mind.

Where else you've seen her: Grant is best known for her work on "Weeds." She also appeared in the cult movie "Fanboys" and on a few episodes of "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody."

Why we like him: No one on TV has ever embodied the concept of "smarmy" like Louis Li... Show More »

You know him as: Louis Litt

Why we like him: No one on TV has ever embodied the concept of "smarmy" like Louis Litt. He's usually awful and he's usually the enemy, but Hoffman still makes Louis into a character we sympathize with and even like on occasion.

Where else you've seen him: Chase Chapman on "Samantha Who," Patrick Van Dorn on "Jake in Progress," Jerry Best on "The Bernie Mac Show"

Why we like her: Who knew that the bratty little sis would turn out to be our favorite character on "Arrow"? Holland has chemistry with everyone, which helps keep us invested in her tenuous bond with Oliver and even has us rooting for her inappropriate crush on Tommy to work out. "In the same way that you're seeing Oliver come back to life in this series, you'll be seeing Thea grow up, and hopefully become more whole again," executive producer Andrew Kreisberg says. "At least that's the way we see her, and we hope that we can get the audience to really feel that for her, so you'll be less wanting to smack her, more wanting to give her a hug."

Where else you've seen her: Holland was the second (and superior) Kaitlin Cooper on "The O.C.," and she played a drugged-out teen model on "Gossip Girl."

Why we like her: The yellow Labrador played a pivotal r... Show More »

You know her as: The Earl of Grantham's best friend.

Why we like her: The yellow Labrador played a pivotal role in the Season 2 Christmas special, when nasty Thomas tried to curry favor with the earl by secretly hiding and then "finding" his constant companion. Isis is also at the center of a real-life Downton Labby scandal: She replaced the first season's Pharaoh, who was written out of the show after clashing with the resident dogs of Highclere Castle, where "D.A." is filmed.

You know him as: Ryan, a veteran who recently returned from two tours in Afghanistan and found himself welco... Show More »

You know him as: Ryan, a veteran who recently returned from two tours in Afghanistan and found himself welcomed into the Braverman family in some unexpected ways.

Why we like him: Though the character has a lot of darkness, Ryan's romance with Amber (Mae Whitman, pictured with Lauria) has infused some much-needed levity to the show, particularly in contrast to Kristina's (Monica Potter) cancer storyline. Thanks to Lauria's intensely dedicated performance, Ryan fits seamlessly into the established family dynamic and brings new depth to Amber as she embarks on her first real, adult relationship. It's also given us a refreshing take on a topical issue as Ryan struggles to make sense of his life after having been at war. Make Lauria a series regular, please!

Where else you've seen him: As Lions newbie Luke Cafferty on "Friday Night Lights" and rookie Caleb Evers on "The Chicago Code."

Why we like her: As a perpetually calm CIA manager, Matchett actually makes us feel like the intelligence world is in good hands -- even as her co-workers run around practically starting World War III.

Why we like her: On a show full of crazy people, Mrs. A... Show More »

You know her as: Allison's mother, Victoria Argent

Why we like her: On a show full of crazy people, Mrs. Argent may have been the only true psycho. Willing to slice open her own arm just to get information on her daughter, this torturer and kidnapper was never anyone to cross. Too bad she had to kill herself after getting bitten by a werewolf. We'll miss you, Crazy Eyes!

Why we like him: The second best part of "Mindy" after creator-star Mindy Kaling herself, Messina has somewhat unexpectedly found the ideal weekly showcase for his significant comedic gifts. Whether he's breaking it down on a nightclub dancefloor or freaking out over a driving test, Dr. Castellano is an alpha male who keeps revealing surprising new sides.

Where else you've seen him: It's more like where haven't you seen him. Messina has been ubiqitous in 2012, popping up in major guest roles on "The Newsroom" and "Damages," co-starring in indies "Celeste and Jesse Forever" and "Ruby Sparks" and playing a key role opposite Bryan Cranston in Ben Affleck's hit historical thriller "Argo." He previously played Amy Adams' boyfriend in "Julie & Julia," Rebecca Hall's boyfriend in "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" and Lauren Ambrose's boyfriend on the final season of "Six Feet Under."

Why we like her: She's the comedic heart of a woefully underrated show. It's actually easy to believe that she is an ignorant alien who just wants to figure out what is going on around her. Also, she did the best impression of one of the "Real Housewives of New Jersey" ever.

Where else you've seen her: Olagundoye has appeared in many guest-starring roles, most recently on "NCIS" and "Prime Suspect."

You know him as: Benny, a vampire who became Dean's brother-in-arms after a year in Purgatory together.... Show More »

You know him as: Benny, a vampire who became Dean's brother-in-arms after a year in Purgatory together.

Why we like him: Though the character is a vampire, Olsson plays Benny as a smooth, Southern romantic -- which makes for a nice change on a show where optimism generally leads to death. Most importantly, Benny has brought out a new, emotionally accessible side of Dean (Jensen Ackles), a welcome change after rejecting any signs of vulnerability for several seasons. We've got high hopes for Benny's storyline this season.

Where else you've seen him: Olsson is best known for his work on "Battlestar Galactica," though he also appeared in the second season of "Supernatural" as a different vampire, named Eli.

Why we like him: Over six seasons of the comedy detective series,... Show More »

You know him as: Detective Carlton Lassiter

Why we like him: Over six seasons of the comedy detective series, Omundson has deftly revealed that beneath the bullet-proof vest of the trigger-happy squirrel assassin lies a vulnerable heart. After years of violently resenting Shawn and Gus' interference in his police investigations, he's finally developed a grudging respect for their skills, and through his romance with a criminal (Kristy Swanson), we've seen even more of his softer side. And Omundson is a master at playing the straight man opposite a couple of goofballs.

Why we like her: It's tough joining the well-established world of a beloved show. After a few fleeting appearances in Season 4 as an SCDP receptionist turned Don's personal secretary, Pare got quite a bump in Season 5 when she officially became Mrs. Draper. She received so much screen time she understandably submitted herself as a lead actress contender for Emmy consideration. But just like Don's first wife, Betty, Megan wasn't universally loved by the fans. It's a mystery why, however, since Pare nailed everything from Megan's knack for writing ad copy to her complicated relationship with a not entirely supportive mother (Julia Ormond) to a sexy serenade of "Zou Bisou Bisou" at Don's birthday party.

Where else you've seen her: She's worked steadily in films throughout the 2000s, mostly in her native Canada, but was previously best known to TV viewers for her supporting role in cult favorite family drama "Jack and Bobby."

Why we like her: Rabe already impressed as socialite spirit Nora Montgomery on the first "Horror Story" miniseries, but she's found an even bigger showcase as Mary Eunice in the second. Originally a sweet counterpoint to Jessica Lange's authoritarian Sister Jude, everything changed when Mary Eunice was possessed by a demon after she witnessed an exorcism. Now she's a sexually assertive terror, protecting the diabolical Dr. Arden (James Cromwell) and psycho killer Dr. Thredson (Zachary Quinto) alike. Few actresses get the chance to demonstrate that kind of range, and do it as well, as Rabe.

Where else you've seen her: The daughter of late actress Jill Clayburgh and playwright David Rabe, Lily Rabe is best known for her stage work including a Tony-nominated turn as Portia opposite Al Pacino in "The Merchant of Venice." But she's also guest starred on "Nip/Tuck," "Medium," "The Good Wife" and three different "Law & Order" series.

Why we like him: Sure, he's an Oscar winner (for co-writing "The Descenda... Show More »

You know him as: Dean Craig Pelton

Why we like him: Sure, he's an Oscar winner (for co-writing "The Descendants"), but he's still underrated as a performer. From his constant wardrobe changes to his unrequited crush on Jeff Winger, there's nothing not to love about the Dean. And no one else could Greendale functioning despite its insanity.

Where else you've seen him: Rash's acting credits include Fenton on "That '70s Show," Jonathan on "Help Me Help You" and Andrew on "Reno 911!"

Why we like her: Retta, who's also stand-up comic, doesn't often take center stage on "Parks and Rec," but she plays brilliantly off of pretty much everyone in the cast, often acting a little bit like a Greek chorus commenting on the rest of the action. (She also has one of the best look-at-the-camera faces this side of Jim Halpert.) Donna's live-tweeting of a cheesy horror movie in the "Halloween Surprise" episode this season -- which mirrors Retta's prolific TV tweets -- was a particular standout.

Where else you've seen her: She had a "Comedy Central Presents" showcase several years ago and has made a slew of TV guest appearances, ranging from "Moesha" to "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia."

You know him as: Carl Grimes, the youngest member of a badass band of zombie apocalypse survivors (... Show More »

You know him as: Carl Grimes, the youngest member of a badass band of zombie apocalypse survivors (unless you count his newborn baby sister)

Why we like him: In the first two seasons, Carl was a kid in need of protection. He'd wander off, get himself shot, accidentally unleash a zombie that killed one of his fellow survivors (Dale). And through it all, Riggs was pretty solid by TV child actor standards. But he's really blossomed this season as "The Walking Dead" has amped up the action and Carl has become a full-on warrior. He's every bit the product of his no-nonsense dad Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and late mother Lori (Sarah Wayne Callies), who left him with words of wisdom that inspired a steely resolve ... and eased the pain of the ugly necessity of shooting her in the head before she turned into a walker.

Where else you've seen him: "Walking Dead" is his first major role, but Riggs did appear in the 2009 Robert Duvall/Bill Murray indie "Get Low."

Why we like her: The 18-year-old actress holds her own against acting heavyweight... Show More »

You know her as: Dana Brody

Why we like her: The 18-year-old actress holds her own against acting heavyweights Damian Lewis (also pictured here) and Claire Danes, and deserves to join her co-stars in the next round of awards nominations. Fans might not love her Season 2 storyline, but it's difficult to imagine another teenager -- besides Danes herself, circa "My So-Called Life" -- who can navigate the tightrope between angsty schoolgirl and the daughter of a terrorist.

Where else you've seen her: The indie movies "Father of Invention" (2010) and "The Greening of Whitney Brown" (2011)

You know her as: Cece, the gorgeous and acerbic model BFF of and Jess (Zooey Deschanel)

Why we like her: "New Girl's" writers hit on comedy gold when they hooked Cece and Schmidt (Max Greenfield) up last season, but their post-breakup relationship has been almost as good. That's thanks in no small part to Simone's ability to play Cece as still kind of bewildered that she has such strong feelings for Schmidt -- bewildered, but not necessarily unhappy about it. She's also an expert at delivering just the right withering line.

Where else you've seen her: "New Girl" is Simone's first regular series role. She was a host of Syfy's "Ultimate Gamer" a few seasons back and appeared in Bryan Singer's web series "H+."

Why we like them: In a show about established country artists and up-and-coming songwriters, their talent-show act manages to be the most compelling performance of all! Their arrangement of "Telescope," originally sung by Hayden Panettiere on the show, lit up Twitter as fans clamored for more of their work. Luckily, there's plenty of it -- the real-life sisters have been performing together for years, and their cover of Robyn's "Call Your Girlfriend" went viral on YouTube.

Where else you've seen them: Nowhere! "Nashville" is the girls' big break, so unless you've caught them on YouTube, they're completely fresh faces.

You know them as: The bunheads of "Bunheads." Jenkins is plucky dreamer Boo, Telles is hot-headed prodigy Sasha, Buntain is bubbly romantic Ginny and Dumont is quirky free-spirit Melanie.

Why we like them: Although they're not as seasoned as ace co-stars Sutton Foster and Kelly Bishop, this quartet really found their footing -- both on the ballet studio dance floor and in handling the deliciously lightning-fast dialogue of creator Amy Sherman-Palladino -- throughout the promising show's first season. At first they seemed like distractions with no connection to Foster's awesomely screwed-up main character, but after 10 episodes the increasingly well-developed quartet became the heart and soul of the show.

Where else you've seen them: These are the first major roles for Jenkins, Telles and Buntain, but Dumont has some small indie films and a lot of modeling gigs to her credit.

Why we like her: She was brought in to be the new Quinn -- the religious,... Show More »

You know her as: Evil Cheerio Kitty Wilde

Why we like her: She was brought in to be the new Quinn -- the religious, blonde, mean-girl cheerleader. But Tobin makes Kitty a little different. Where Quinn hurt others out of insecurity, Kitty seems sure of herself and mostly in it for the mischief. It's nice to have a person who is actually self-confident on "Glee."

Where else you've seen her: Her only other credit is as Heather on "Wiener & Wiener."

Why we like her: The sweet and knowledgeable Rosalee has proven to be an essentia... Show More »

You know her as: Rosalee Calvert

Why we like her: The sweet and knowledgeable Rosalee has proven to be an essential part of "Grimm" over the past year. Her flirtations with Monroe (Silas Weir Mitchell) are nothing but fun, and her expertise on all things wesen makes the show a lot easier to follow.

Where else you've seen her: Sara on "The Wedding Band," Tina on "Undressed," Brenda on "Moesha," Marjorie on "Good Girls Don't..."

You know her as: Anne, the type-A lesbian widow in Ryan's (Matthew Perry) grief support group

Why we like her: It's not like we didn't know White had the goods -- the veteran actress even managed to wring a laugh or two out of "Cavemen" a few years back. But "Go On" has been an excellent showcase for her razor-sharp wit and excellent timing, while at the same time letting her play some of the frustration and heartache of losing a spouse. She and Perry also have fabulous comic chemistry together, evident in the episode where he plays wingman for her at a wedding.

Where else you've seen her: White's long list of credits includes playing Shia LaBeouf's mom in the "Transformers" movies, "Grace Under Fire," the aforementioned "Cavemen" and "Michael Clayton."

Why we like her: The 23-year-old comedian is the fake news program's first-ever female African-American correspondent, and she's infused the show with freshness, vivacity and sass. Unlike other rookies (and some old-timers), she makes her scripts seem natural and unrehearsed, and she's even more hilarious when ad libbing. Simply put, "The Daily Show" is better when Jessica Williams is on it.

Why we like her: We've known from the start that Mellie... Show More »

You know her as: Scheming first lady Mellie Grant

Why we like her: We've known from the start that Mellie would do just about anything to help her husband (Tony Goldwyn) reach and keep the highest office in the land -- but it didn't emerge until recently just how far she would take things. Young can play the fierce side of Mellie and the wounded side -- the one who knows her husband's heart really belongs to Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) -- equally well. She also takes what could be a typical scorned wife and lets us really see the hurt Fitz has caused her.

Where else you've seen her: Young has a recurring part on "Criminal Minds" and has also appeared on "Scrubs," "Dirty Sexy Money" and "CSI: Miami."